Government to spend €40m on 'Javelin' missiles used by Ukraine against Russians
The Government is to spend €40 million – on dozens of deadly Javelin missiles and launchers for the Defence Forces.
The Irish Mirror has learned that the US Congress has given the green light for the purchase which is expected to take place in the coming months. The Defence Forces already uses the US made missiles – but military bosses want more of them for use at home and abroad.
The Javelin, which has been used heavily by Ukraine in the fight against Russian invaders, is one of the most potent weapon the Defence Forces have – and can destroy tanks, armour and even heavy bunkers from 4kms away.
The system is so expensive that live missiles are only usually fired once a year. But Ireland now wants to beef up its number of Javelin missiles and launchers – at a cost of €40 million. The price was over a certain amount and that meant that the US Congress had to approve the deal – which they did earlier this week.
America's Defense Security Cooperation Agency, which deals with foreign arms sales, said the deal would improve Irelands security capabilities – especially overseas. Irish UN troops in Lebanon have access to the existing Javelin stocks in case they are attacked.
The agency said: 'This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by improving the security and capabilities of Ireland to support its participation in peacekeeping missions with the United Nations and NATO's Partnership for Peace program.'
It also said the deal would see Ireland buy 44 missiles – as well as 36 launchers.
The agency said: 'The Government of Ireland has requested to buy thirty-six (36) Lightweight Command Launch Units (LwCLUs) that will be added to a previously implemented case whose value was under the congressional notification threshold. The original Foreign Military Sales (FMS) case, valued at $8.7 million included 44 FGM-148 Javelin missiles.
'This notification is for a combined total of 44 FGM-148 Javelin missiles and thirty-six (36) Lightweight Command Launch Units (LwCLUs). The following non-MDE items will also be included: missile containers; U.S. Government technical assistance; Enhanced Producibility Basic Skills Trainers (EPBST); training; and other related elements of logistics and program support.
'The estimated total cost is $46 million.' That works out at around €40 million.
A Defence Forces spokesman told the Irish Mirror: 'The Javelin Medium Range Guided Anti-Tank Missile, which is procured from the US by way of the Foreign Military Sales procurement mechanism, has been in continuous service with the Defence Forces for over twenty years.
"Regular replenishments of missiles along with launch system enhancements are a feature of this capability in order to maintain this effective and battle proven defensive capability.'
We asked the Department of Defence for comment.
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